Tuesday, 23 December 2014

You may remember back in March we posted that Don Corscarelli had been secretly working on a new "Phantasm" film entitled "Ravager"? Well Don Corscarelli and Director David Hartman have just appeared in a new festive teaser trailer, which has just hit the web. Check it out...

Sunday, 21 December 2014

Christmas? Bah, Humbug! If, like me, you prefer "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" to "The Muppets Christmas Carol" and are looking for a few festive chills over the Christmas period, there are plenty of seasonal slasher films out there, and here's my Top 5 personal favourites....

5) - Don’t Open till Christmas (1984).

A serial killer goes around murdering people who are dressed
as Santa in this obscure British horror film from 1984. Directed by British
Actor Edward Purdom (a regular in Italian horror films), who also plays the lead
detective. Highlights include one Santa getting harpooned on stage during a charity
event, another getting roasted over an open fire, whilst one very unfortunate Santa
meets a very cringeworthy end in a public lavatory with a cut-throat razor (you can guess what happens there)!

The plot does get a little disjointed in places, as Purdom
walked out half-way through production, meaning they had to rewrite the script and
other characters cover the remaining scenes he was supposed to fill. But its
still pretty good fun and also features a guest appearance from B-movie actress
Caroline Monroe.

The film suffered at the hands of the BBFC for its original release, but was later passed uncut for DVD, though this is currently out of print. Fortunately, US DVD is available.

The film was also the subject of a documentary “The Making
of a Horror Film”, which is also worth a watch, if you can track it down.

Not to be confused with the thoroughly innocent kids film of
the same name, this one concerns a death row inmate, who’s involved in a
collision with a tanker full of chemicals during a snowstorm, which transforms
him into a giant killer snowman.

He then returns to his former home town of Snowmanton (what
an original name???) and goes on a killing spree. Shooting people with icicles, stringing them up with Xmas lights and freezing them to death in their bath tubs (look out for a pre-American Pie Shannon Elizabeth as one of his victims).

Thoroughly ridiculous, the film proves highly amusing and is exactly what you'd expect from a low budget horror comedy of this nature. A sequel, Jack
Frost 2, followed a couple of years later, in which he goes on the rampage in the Caribbean.

The film has been released on DVD,
along with its sequel, though these are both currently out of print. So if you fancy picking this one up, try Ebay.

One of the better “killer Santa” films out there, a young lad
named Billy is orphaned one Xmas, when an escaped criminal wearing a Santa suit attempts
to car-jack his family. Raised by abusive nuns, they subsequently get him a job
at a toy shop, of all places, when he turns 18, which predictably goes awry
when December comes around and he’s asked to fill in for the stores resident
Santa.

Grabbing a fire axe, Billy proceeds to go on the rampage in
his Santa suit punishing people he thinks have been bad. A couple of obnoxious
snow boarders are summarily beheaded and scream queen Linnea Quigley gets
impaled on a mounted set of deer antlers, which protrude through her breasts,
as he carves a trail of destruction back to the orphanage.

Good fun, this one was heavily censored by the US
ratings board for its theatrical release and gained notoriety when angry
protestors started picketing cinemas screening it, resulting in the studios
pulling the film after only a fortnight.

The film has since been released fully uncut to DVD
and BD in both the US
and UK, though
you may wish to avoid its many sequels, which proved significantly less
entertaining.

The girls at a college sorority house find themselves being
picked off by a deranged killer during the festive season, who then starts
sending them obscene phone calls. A pre-Superman Margot Kidder, along with Olivia
Hussey (Psycho 4) play the lead roles, as a couple of the sorority girls who
find themselves being menaced by this unseen assailant, whilst cult movie star
John Saxon plays a police detective.

Regarded as the forerunner to the modern slasher film, this
was actually one of the movies that influenced John Carpenter when he made “Halloween”.
The film is perhaps a little dated by todays standards, but contains most of
the elements that would go on to become a staple of many a horror film.

Most definitely one for cult movie enthusiasts, the film was
later remade, rather badly I hasten to add, in 2006. But I would strongly
advise avoiding that version and sticking with the infinitely superior
original.

Without doubt the most fun Xmas horror film ever made,
former WWF wrestler big Bill Goldberg plays a demonic Santa Claus, who proceeds
to bring a little Yuletide “fear” to the people of the appropriately named
Alaskan town of “Hell”.

Seems he’s got a bone to pick with young Nicholas Yuleson
and his grandfather (played by veteran B movie actor Robert Culp) and proceeds
to massacre his way through the town. Taking out the police station and strip
club in the process, as well as giving some of the towns children some presents
they wont forget in a hurry (nooo I don’t mean like “that”).

There’s also a hilarious opening scene in which an obnoxious
family, consisting of James Caan, Fran Drescher and Rebecca Gayheart get
massacred at the dinner table when “Santa” bursts out of the chimney.

Surprisingly, this one doesn’t seem to be regarded as highly
as other Xmas horrors, which is a great shame as its full of tongue in cheek
humour and features a good supporting cast and some hilarious kill scenes. Making
it one of my personal faves!

Tuesday, 16 December 2014

To celebrate the UK home entertainment release of SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR, Lionsgate UK have teamed-up with the 71a Gallery in London’s Shoreditch for a very special Frank Miller exhibition.

Showcasing work from Frank’s ground-breaking first two comics, which form the storylines and visual inspiration for both SIN CITY films to date, the first-of-its-kind exhibition takes place on Thursday 18 December and Friday 19 December and is a must for fans of cinema and graphic novels alike.

On the evening of Thursday 18 December there will be a special private view of the exhibition and drinks reception, followed by a unique screening of SIN CITY 2: A DAME TO KILL FOR, with the audience seated amongst the high quality poster prints of Miller’s work.

The producer of "Sinister" and executive producer of "Insidious" brings a chilling twist to the classic horror story when the terrifying "GRACE: THE POSSESSION" arrives on Digital HD January 5 and on DVD January 19 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

GRACE: THE POSSESSION is a story told like never before - through the eyes of the possessed. Grace (Alexia Fast - Jack Reacher) is a beautiful, naive, college freshman, who's never sipped alcohol, done drugs, or had sex and is trying to deal with campus culture and her outgoing new roommate.

But when a terror takes over her body and unleashes chaos, Grace returns to the cold clutches of her severe grandmother (Lin Shaye - "Insidious"). Haunted by the horrific death of her mother and her deeply ingrained destructive urges, Grace must stop the demon inside before it’s too late

The film also features Alan Dale (“Lost”), Alexis Knapp (Pitch Perfect) and Joel David Moore (Avatar) and marks the directorial debut of Jeff Chan.

HAYLIE DUFF and MICHAEL IRONSIDE star in the first big horror thrill ride of 2015!

After finding his family murdered by vagrant squatters, an ex-military operative and survivalist is hired by the man who bought his land to watch over the acreage and protect it from invaders. When the new landowner's daughter arrives for a weekend getaway with her friends, the trip turns deadly when they discover the caretaker's dark secret - rather than driving off trespassers, he's hunting them in cold blood.

Pieces of Talent, one of the year's most critically-acclaimed independent horror films, is now available for free viewing online. Shutter Blade Media has uploaded the entire film and encourages viewers to share it (see link below).

Fangoria calls Pieces of Talent "clever, exceedingly well-produced, sharply written." Moviepilot says it's "an exceptionally well-made horror film." Horror Society raves, "I can not recommend this movie enough." Now you can see was has these writers gushing, free of charge. If you enjoy it, Pieces of Talent is available for purchase on DVD and VHS from the film's official website.

Pieces of Talent is available for free in an effort to raise awareness about the upcoming sequel, "A Missing Piece". Director Joe Stauffer is back with another horrifying vision, and he's turning to fans to help bring it to life. He has launched a pre-order campaign in order to raise funds to produce it.

By purchasing a special edition Blu-ray/DVD combo pack, a digital screener, an autographed poster or an executive producer credit, backers will be the first to see A Missing Piece prior to its official release. The Blu-ray/DVD set will feature both A Missing Piece and Pieces of Talent, along with a host of supplemental material, including a "Choose Your Own Adventure" option that allows the audience to experience A Missing Piece in different ways.

A Missing Piece will further explore the world in which serial killer David Long creates his art. Stauffer explains, "We are extremely excited to further explore the lives of David and Charlotte in order to show a little more about what makes David tick." David Long and Kristi Ray will reprise their roles in the sequel, with Jeramy Blackford joining the fold as a journalist investigating the murders.

Two years after a group of bodies were discovered on an abandoned farm, a journalist visits the scene of the crime in hopes of learning more about the unknown killer. As he begins to discover details that may have been overlooked, he finds himself closer to the truth than he ever imagined or wanted to be.

Stauffer and the rest of the creative team behind Pieces of Talent are eager to reunite for A Missing Piece, but they cannot do it without your help. They're aiming to shoot in late spring 2015.

Terry Zarchi has released the first trailer for his upcoming documentary “Growing Up With I Spit On Your Grave”, which features Meir Zarchi, Camille Keaton and many others.

In production since late 2012, Terry has gathered a wealth of information that only someone so close to his father’s classic could provide and looks forward to sharing his story with I Spit On Your Grave fans.

Controversial slasher "Silent Night, Deadly Night" turns 30 this year, and Fright-Rags have commemorated the holiday horror classic with a line of new merchandise. Prepare to be punished!

Any horror fan would be elated to find the "Silent Night, Deadly Night" limited edition box set under their tree this Christmas. Enclosed in a collector's box, the set contains a shirt designed by Justin Osbourn, a Christmas sweater-style sweatshirt by Joe Guy Allard, a handmade resin ornament depicting one of the film's most memorable scenes and a felt stocking. This set is limited to only 225 units.

The T-shirt and sweatshirt can be purchased separately to spread the yuletide fear. Osbourn's design comes on unisex shirts, girls shirts and zip-up hoodies. The other items are available exclusively as part of the box set.

In addition to the "Silent Night, Deadly Night" collection, Fright-Rags has released Christmas-themed shirts inspired by Tales from the Crypt and Scrooged for the horror fan on your list this year.

These items are available now from Fright-Rags.com and ready to ship in time for Christmas. Domestic orders placed by December 19 will arrive by December 24 (for orders outside the US, check the website for expected delivery dates). Quantities are limited, so these items may sell out early. You better run if you don't want to end up on the naughty list.

Other horror heros include The Mistress of the Dark herself, ELVIRA!, along with Ken Kirzinger (FREDDY VS. JASON), Rutanya Alda (AMITYVILLE HORROR 2), Zach Galligan (GREMLINS), Patty Mullen (FRANKENHOOKER), Naomi Grossman ("Pepper" from AMERICAN HORROR STORY: FREAKSHOW), Jovanka Vuckovic and Mark Miller (Clive Barker’s JACQUELINE ESS), an Art of Clive Barker exhibit, Chris Alexander from Fangoria brings his QUEEN OF BLOOD, and the Godfather of Gore Herschell Gordon Lewis also joins the show. The underground is alive and well also with appearances by Adam Ahlbrandt (CROSS BEARER), Brian Williams (TIME TO KILL), and James Bickert (DEAR GOD NO!), and The Ghouligans are on hand to share the merry fright.

And the very next evening, the bleeding heart pumps as the one and only John Waters, brings his newly revamped THIS FILTHIER WORLD show for one night only on Sat Feb 14, in a special Valentine’s Day performance, plus a signing of his new book CARSICK.

Shock Pop Comic Con runs Friday February 13 through Sunday February 15 at the Ft. Lauderdale Convention Center at 1950 Eisenhower Blvd. Tickets are available for $30 Friday and Saturday, $25 for Sunday, or a full weekend pass for $60.

Midnight Releasing is proud to announce the DVD and VOD release of "Sick : Survive the Night", which comes to US DVD and VOD this January.

In the tradition of The Walking Dead, "Sick : Survive the Night" tells the story of a group of people who band together after a zombie outbreak.

Two years into the outbreak, the remaining people struggle day to day for survival. With the infected more active at night, three people seek shelter in an empty home, but with supplies scarce, they'll be lucky to make it out alive.

Coinciding with Profondo Rosso’s 40th anniversary, Goblin will be playing their original score live to a screening of the film for the first time in the UK.

Goblin’s scores, once heard are never quite forgotten. Profondo Rosso is no exception, characterised by its synth heavy sound and chilling central theme. Along with Suspiria, Profondo Rosso is perhaps Argento’s most celebrated film and a total classic of the giallo horror subgenre and in its own right.

Originally inspired by bands like King Crimson and prog-era Genesis, Goblin’s unique sound is instantly recognisable and has earned them a cult status all of their own. Having been dissatisfied with the original soundtrack, Argento called local band Cherry Five in at short notice. They renamed themselves Goblin and, legend has it, wrote the new soundtrack in one night.

Thursday, 4 December 2014

A new trailer and teaser poster have just been unveiled for the forthcoming movie "Terminator : Genisys". Looking at the trailer, this fifth film in the Terminator franchise appears to be both a sequel and a reboot and sees the return of Arnold Schwarzenegger (who was conspicuously absent from Part 4, save for a CGI lookalike).

Anyway, here's the trailer as it appears on YouTube, the poster can be seen underneath. The film is due to hit cinemas 2015.

Wednesday, 3 December 2014

I was recently sent a review copy of the film "Blood Shot" starring Danny Dyer to review, which I was lead to believe was some sort of horror/thriller. However, as the film got going, it seemed this was something else entirely and proved to be an exceptionally strange film indeed!

Danny Dyer plays a special effects make up artist named Philip, who stumbles across a homeless girl (Zoe Grisedale - The Thompsons), who appears to be in a state of severe confusion and unsure of who, or where she is.

Doing what any decent gentleman would do, he takes her back to his place and agrees to put her up until she can sort herself out. But, there's something very strange about her.

She says she came over from America (despite sounding decidedly English), yet can't remember from where exactly. She can't remember her credit card's pin number, yet she can remember the telephone number of someone in America she calls "master". Plus she also has surgical scars mixed with, what appears to be, self-harming marks, all over her body.

Trying to uncover who she is proves to be exceptionally difficult and its unclear if she is just some lunatic, or if she's been the victim of some traumatic abusive ordeal. But the more time he spends with her, the more he becomes strangely attracted to her.

Not really a horror movie, if anything it was like a TV drama and is a very, VERY strange film. In which you're never quite sure what the deal is with this girl or what Danny Dyer's character finds so alluring about her, given she's a total nutter.

There is a slight horror element to the story, with Dyers character being a horror movie special effects expert, who's workshop looks like a scene from Texas Chainsaw Massacre. But this really was superfluous to the plot and seemed like they didn't know how to market the film, so added this sub plot so they could market it as a horror. Indeed, there's also a very bizarre "Nightmare" scene in the film, which really had nothing to do with anything, and looked like it had been "tacked on".

There's also an attempt at black humour, in the form of Keith Allen (yes, that's Lily's dad, and if you're old enough to remember, used to be in those "Comic Strip Presents.." series), who plays a psychologist friend who happens to be bedding a number of his patients, which seemed completely out of place with the rest of the film.

To summarise, if you're looking for an offbeat drama about finding love in the strangest of places, or you're just a fan of Danny Dyer, you'll probably enjoy this. But if you're expecting a horror picture, you'll probably wonder what on earth you're watching.

The disc was bare bones, without any special features on, aside for some trailers for other titles from Signature entertainment.The film is released to UK DVD Dec 26th.Pre-order the UK DVD from Amazon.co.uk

Horror veterans Lynn Lowry (Shivers, The Crazies) and Debbie Rochon (Tromeo and Juliet, American Nightmare) star in "North Woods", a motion picture of unrelenting terror. Inspired by the likes of Phantasm, The Evil Dead and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, "North Woods" aims to bring the grindhouse horror ethos to a modern setting.

From within the woods, a blood splattered young man, John Prescott, runs out in front of a car, terrified and muttering gibberish. Enter Dr. Pamela Alley, an esteemed psychiatrist, and Detective Morris, her contact and partner from the local police force, who have just been assigned the boy's case.

As the teen begins telling his diabolical tale of a local weekend vacation gone horribly wrong, it becomes clear that nothing is ever what it seems when a very troubled substitute teacher, with a webbed past of nightmares, emerges as the center of the proceedings. What keys does she hold to the nearly phantasmic events surrounding the area for the last several years?

The film is directed by Chris Moore, who co-wrote the script with Jason Kasper and stars alongside Lowry and Rochon. The cast also includes fresh faces Sarah McCraw, Andrew Roach, Amanda Grussaute, Brittany Mahaffey and J.K. Michaels.

Presented by Macabre Pictures and Flowtac Entertainment, North Woods will be released in 2015. For more information, "North Woods" can be found on Facebook, Twitter and Indiegogo.

Horror themed record label "Graveyard Calling" are releasing 2 new albums this month.

The first of these is the album Rest in Pieces by The Panic Beats. Described as "What the Ramones would sound like, if they wrote a horror album". This 12 track release is available as both a digital download and on a limited edition dried-blood red audio cassette, which features artwork from Rick Melton, who does the cover artwork for Arrow films.

The second release is the album Night on the Dark Hill from 80s style synthwave group VHS Glitch. This is a 6-track release, available as a digital download and on a limited edition zombie-green coloured audio cassette, which is will make you swear you heard it on the soundtrack
to an obscure, 80s-horror-film!